at an absolute minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "at an absolute minimum" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is the minimum requirement or expectation. Example: "In order to pass this class, you must attend at least 90% of the lectures, but at an absolute minimum, you should aim for 95% attendance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Money and material belongings were at an absolute minimum.

The New York Times

Or at an absolute minimum, understand that those are two extremely different exercises.

Princeton University

But at an absolute minimum, around one in ten Americans is poor.Child poverty is far higher.

The Economist

At an absolute minimum, the Palestinians need to put their own house in order and unequivocally recognize Israel's existence.

The New York Times

The UNCRC wants countries to set the age of criminal responsibility at an "absolute minimum" of 12, and aim to keep increasing it.

The Guardian

Failing that, at an absolute minimum we need them to live up to their commitments to the African Union not to stand in forthcoming elections.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Measuring compliance to guidelines at local level once a year appears as an absolute minimum.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

There were fake freckles on models' faces at Oscar de la Renta and Preen (created using MAC's Penultimate Brow Marker), bitten-looking lips at Topshop Unique and an absolute minimum of makeup at Dior and Chanel.

The Guardian

For that reason, it would seem to be in everyone's interest to reduce as far as possible tensions and friction at the Temple Mount to an absolute minimum.

The Guardian - Opinion

Error surfaces of the non-linear, iterative, least-squares inversions corresponding to multiple, constant-velocity, horizontal layers have an absolute minimum at or near the location of the solution parameters for zero and low frequencies.

Journal of Computational Physics

Eighteen songs, performed in December 2009 at the Hammersmith Apollo, with an absolute minimum of onstage chatter and dollops of stylishly grainy, MTV-like filler: Ms. Spektor on the plane from New York, driving through London, applying makeup before the show.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at an absolute minimum", ensure that the context clearly defines what the minimum requirement or expectation is. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "absolute" excessively in your writing. While "at an absolute minimum" is acceptable, repeatedly using "absolute" can make your writing sound overly emphatic or even hyperbolic. Consider simpler alternatives like "at a minimum" in some contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an absolute minimum" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the lowest acceptable level or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It sets a lower boundary for expectations or actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at an absolute minimum" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that sets a baseline expectation or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While alternatives like "at the very least" and "as a bare minimum" exist, "at an absolute minimum" provides a clear and emphatic way to define the lowest acceptable level. When using this phrase, be sure to define what that minimum is clearly to prevent any confusion. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase diverse applications of this useful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the very least

Emphasizes the lowest acceptable level, similar to "at an absolute minimum".

as a bare minimum

Indicates the smallest acceptable quantity or effort, synonymous with "at an absolute minimum".

at the barest minimum

Slightly more emphatic than "at a minimum", reinforcing the idea of the lowest possible level.

as an irreducible minimum

Highlights that the specified minimum cannot be reduced further.

at rock bottom

This idiom indicates the lowest possible level or condition.

at a minimum

Slightly less emphatic, but still denotes a minimum requirement.

at the lower limit

Focuses on the minimum value within a range.

at a floor

This is a financial or economic term that means the minimum price or value.

if nothing else

Indicates that something should happen as the minimum action.

to the least extent

This alternative emphasize that the thing being described is the smallest acceptable thing.

FAQs

How to use "at an absolute minimum" in a sentence?

You can use "at an absolute minimum" to express the lowest acceptable level or requirement in a given situation. For example: "You need to score 70% to pass the class, but "at an absolute minimum", aim for 80%".

What can I say instead of "at an absolute minimum"?

You can use alternatives like "at the very least", "as a bare minimum", or "at a minimum" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "at an absolute minimum" or "at a minimum"?

Both "at an absolute minimum" and "at a minimum" are correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. "At an absolute minimum" emphasizes that it is the lowest possible level, while "at a minimum" simply states a lower boundary.

What's the difference between "at an absolute minimum" and "at the very least"?

"At an absolute minimum" emphasizes the base level that is acceptable, while "at the very least" often suggests that more should be done, but this is the bare minimum that is required.